Everyone is beginning to notice what has become painfully obvious to folks around LSU football. Recent underclassmen losses to the NFL could threaten LSU's status as a college football elite.

It was the question du jour at SEC Media Days Wednesday. Tigers head coach Les Miles and all three players attending addressed some form of the question multiple times referring to 16 LSU underclassmen entering the draft in the past two seasons.

Combined with the seniors who annually move on, LSU is in danger of forcing younger players into action before they are ready and having their depth depleted.

But the attitude Miles espouses is to recruit them and suit them. Nineteen true freshmen have seen action the last two seasons and close to that many are likely to get in the game in 2014.

"It's going to be hard to replace guys like Zach Mettenberger, Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.," LSU senior running back Terrence Magee said. "But we have a sign in our locker room that says 'Young guys, be prepared to play early and play big roles.' I think those guys understand that and as the seniors and leaders on the team, we are doing a good job making sure they understand we are counting on them this year. I think they are going to step right in and fill the shoes of the guys that left."

Miles has given in to the reality of players leaving, whatever the number, and has simply turned it into a recruiting tool to continue retooling. Based on his responses, it doesn't keep him up nights.

"I keep approaching the NFL for an opportunity to draft back some of our players that left," he said. Later, he drew laughter with his double-entendre comment that "we do lead college football in three-and-outs."

Miles has simply made it essential to recruit well.

"There's a responsibility that the coaching staff has to see a void and recruit to it," he said. "We have to make sure we recruit the type of athlete that has a want to be something special and then steps in to play as a true freshman."

That's going to be a running theme for the 2014 Tigers, especially on offense where they lost all of their top skill people. Mettenberger, Landry, Beckham and running back Jeremy Hill combined made LSU the first team in SEC history to have a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers.

That leaves plenty of work for the consensus No. 2 recruiting class in the nation, led by stud running back Leonard Fournette, perhaps the biggest recruiting coup in LSU history with 7,619 yards rushing and 88 touchdowns at St. Augustine.

Even with seniors Magee and Kenny Hilliard returning, Fournette will be counted on heavily but Miles has no reservations about him being up to the challenge. He's already making a good impression after enrolling last month.

"He's doing exactly what he should be doing," Miles said. "He's getting in the weight room, running, getting in shape, pursuing the classroom, got great grades. He's quiet, not assuming, he's humble in his approach.

"He expects himself to be something very special. He has a quiet confidence that will benefit him. We anticipate he will be fast on the uptake."

Said LSU offensive tackle La'El Collins: "He's going to be a great one. He's been really impressive as a person in our summer workouts."

But Fournette may not even be the most important freshman. That title could belong to quarterback Brandon Harris, who is listed as the backup but is poised to move ahead of sophomore Anthony Jennings. He completely outplayed Jennings statistically in the spring game last April, but may not yet be ready to handle all of the nuances such as the snap, formation, cadence and getting his team into the right play and in and out of the huddle.

Jennings, with a year's head start, has an edge in poise, but Harris brings more ability to the table.

"Those guys have to exhibit things other than 'I throw the ball well,'" Miles said. "'I throw the ball well' isn't good enough."

On the other hand. . .

"(Harris) really throws the ball well, he has real strength," Miles said. "He's innately accurate. He's got great footwork. He can extend the play. But probably the best thing about him is he anticipates the great play, too."

Of the freshmen Miles mentioned as contributors, also popping up were wide receivers Malachi Dupre and Trey Quinn who will press holdovers for playing time. It's comforting for Miles to know the offense, while young at skill positions, will be operating behind an offensive line with four returning starters, including Collins at left tackle.

Collins passed on a chance at the NFL to give LSU another try and improve his draft stock. He's going to be one of the outspoken team leaders.

"As a veteran offensive line group, we have to set the tone on how we want the season to go," Collins said. "If those guys buy into the program and everything we've done at LSU, they will be OK."

The defense is in the hands of sixth-year coordinator John Chavis, whom Miles said is "the best in the business." Last year, the LSU defense took its lumps due to the exodus of players that left two returning starters. But the numerous defenders who saw action has toughened this year's group and built some depth.

"Chief has done a great job of teaching and everyone has really come together coming off last season," Mike linebacker D.J. Welter said. "We aren't short-handed. We're going to be a much better, more cohesive unit."

Jermauria Rasco and Danielle Hunter return at the end positions and a host of redshirt freshmen will press for playing time behind tackles Christian LaCouture and Quentin Thomas.

Chavis moved Kwon Alexander from Sam (strongside) to Will (weakside) and Lamar Louis from the Mike to the Sam. Freshman Clifton Garrett is expected to press for time as will Kendell Beckwith playing behind Welter.

Miles said he likes his cornerbacks Tre'Davious white and Rashard Robinson, who excelled as true freshmen last year and Ronald Martin and Corey Thompson are the safeties with expected contribution from freshman Jamal Adams. Miles did not mention suspended safety Jalen Mills, who is not listed on the depth chart in the media guide.

"We have the style of team that wins championships," Miles said.

"Who's picked? I would be willing to bet that not many picked Auburn a year ago. If we continue to do the things we've done in the past, we'll earn our way."